Tooth extractions can be required for several reasons. Perhaps a root canal has failed and an infection has developed. Maybe a tooth is too badly cracked to be preserved with a dental crown. Dental extractions may also be needed to make way for upcoming orthodontic treatments or dentures. Whatever the reason, extractions may be simple or complex, depending on the state of the tooth.
Simple Dental Extractions
When an erupted tooth is mostly intact, extractions are often fast and simple affairs. After administering an anesthetic and ensuring the patient is fully numb, Dr. Chris Tye uses an instrument called a forceps to gently wiggle the tooth back and forth until it is loose enough be removed. This procedure does not take a lot of time, and the patient can usually go home and get back to his/her normal routine right away.
There may be some bleeding from the empty socket, but this can often be controlled by biting down on a wad of sterile gauze for a few minutes to encourage the blood to clot. Any pain resulting from the procedure can usually be managed with standard doses of over-the-counter painkillers, such as Advil or Tylenol. Patients are encouraged to be gentle with the extraction site for a few days, by avoiding (1) foods that may irritate the sensitive gum tissue (2) sucking through a straw, and (3) brushing or agitating the area.
Complex Extractions
When a tooth has been damaged, is in multiple pieces, or has not yet erupted (as often is the case with wisdom teeth), the process for extraction is a little bit different. Rather than just gripping the tooth and pulling, a surgical plan must be made for removing the tooth. This usually involves cutting the gum tissue and pulling it back to expose the tooth for extraction. Once the tooth has been removed, the patient may require sutures to close the gum tissue and a longer healing period.
Tooth Extractions – What to Expect
When you come to Texas Oral Surgery Specialists for a tooth extraction, Dr. Tye will take the time to assess the state of your tooth and determine what is needed to extract it from your mouth safely and comfortably. This will start with an oral exam and a number of diagnostic scans and x-rays. Once we can see clearly what’s going on with the tooth, we will draw up a treatment plan to outline all the necessary steps and projected costs.
As an oral surgeon, Dr. Tye specializes in performing extractions as simply and conservatively as possible, to avoid damage to surrounding tissues. He uses advanced imaging technology to view the teeth and soft tissues in the mouth, and creates a highly detailed surgical plan based on your unique anatomy and the position and state of your tooth.
For more involved procedures or for patients with dental anxiety, Dr. Tye’s team is certified to provide sedation during dental extractions. This may include treatment with nitrous oxide gas (sometimes called “laughing gas”) or IV conscious sedation. Nitrous oxide gas provides gentle sedation that does not put you to sleep, and it wears off quickly afterwards–which means patients can drive themselves home from appointments. IV sedation is a deeper form of conscious sedation that wears off more slowly, so patients will need someone to help them get home and stay with them for a few hours after their procedure. During your consultation, Dr. Tye will discuss which type of sedation is appropriate for your extraction.
Schedule Your Consultation with Dr. Tye Today
Dental extractions can be needed for a number of reasons, and may be as unique a procedure as each person who needs one. With each case, Dr. Tye will meet with the patient beforehand to explain the procedure, and ensure you are comfortable and well cared for throughout your time in our Colleyville, TX office.